Little Green Wagon

The Little Green Wagon That Could...


Upcycling a red toy wagon into a French-styled one at www.diybeautify.com


I found this cute red wagon at Goodwill recently.


It was only $5.99. Do you see the yarn handle? Yeah, I wasn't digging that too much but when I flipped the wagon over, there was the original black handle taped to the bottom!!!

I brought it home, knowing it would be the perfect size to hold pumpkins on my front step or small gifts under the Christmas tree or any number of other cute things.



I struggled a bit with not only what color it should become but also what I should paint on the side.  I really wanted to add some harvest words like 'Pumpkins, Apples, Cider' or something like that. And I was thinking creamy white.  The longer I mulled it over however, I knew I wanted this little wagon to be multi-purpose....I didn't want to have to tuck it away in the attic after Thanksgiving.

I finally decided to go green with a french graphic. You can't go wrong with french graphics!!  I took off the wheels and gave it two coats of a custom green mix.  Its a nice, soft green that will look great in all seasons. Once dry it was lightly sanded.

I found my FREE graphics at one of my favorite sites for great typography and vintage images, The Graphics Fairy.  I decided I wanted a french label of some kind. I found one that has a french florist theme and one with a wreath and bee that I love and have wanted to use.  Here are the links:
french florist label
wreath with bee

My method of transfer is probably the old classic....no fancy tools required...just lots of patience.  Once  my images were printed off, I rubbed the back with a pencil.


You want to make sure that the entire graphic is covered well.  I decided where I wanted it and used Frog Tape to tape down the edges.


Then I just drew over everything with my pencil, making sure to be as detailed as possible.


This is what the image looked like when I removed the paper.  Now the real "fun" began.  I used a fine tip permanent black marker and went over it again, keeping the original close by to refer to.  It takes patience and a steady hand!  When I was done with this graphic, I moved on to the wreath and bee one. Once my graphics were dry, I gave the wagon a coat of dark Minwax Furniture Paste. I love the depth it brings out of a piece. It also seals and protects the paint from spills.


Here it the little wagon all finished and filled to the brim with pumpkins, just as I'd envisioned it.

Isn't it an improvement?  I added the black handle back on and distressed the edges of the wheels.  I think it's SO cute!


Do you think this little 'Welcome Wagon' is a lot more welcoming now?  How would you use it?


bringing beauty to the ordinary,




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Comments

  1. What a great find! I love that you painted your wagon green. Those pumpkins look dreamy.

    I'm planning on using my children's big red wagon on our porch for a fall and Christmas vignette. Now I'm just got to find some hay!

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    1. Thank you Ashley! Hay should be an easy find this time of year, lol..it will look great in your big red wagon :)

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  2. This is so charming, and I would use it the same way!!! I have a mini red wagon and red wheel barrow and use them all year long......so many uses!!!

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    1. I'll bet that red wheel barrow is adorable! I love how paint can transform anything :)

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  3. I used to collect wagons, but downsizing to our little cottage meant shedding "stuff". I only have a few wagons left, but I have one that is just calling for a redo like yours. You made the graphic look so easy. I have nothing planned today, other than playing with our new puppy, so I think redoing my wagon will be the project of the day. I will give you a shout out for the inspiration when I do the post.

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    Replies
    1. Glad I could inspire you; I can't wait to see your transformation :)

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  4. This is adorable! I would definitely use it! I would fill it with flowers in the spring and summer and pumpkins in the fall! Really nice!

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  5. Looks just great! I don't like traditional Fall colors--I love this!

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    1. Thanks Sandy, I wanted it to work for all seasons and I think it can :)

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  6. You made great choices of both color and graphics. Love this little wagon and I can see it at work with elves and gifts at Christmas as well as the pumpkins. Maybe bunnies at Easter?

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  7. Very cute! Thanks for stopping by DIY Vintage Chic’s Friday’s Five Features and Fun Festivities. Don’t forget to stop back by tomorrow!

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  8. I absolutely love the name of your blog! The wagon is really adorable! I would never have dreamed that is came from a little red wagon! It looks vintage for sure! :)

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    1. Thanks Kim, the vintage look is what I was going for! So glad you think I achieved that :)

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  9. OH MY LOVE!!! Cutest thing, ever! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday.

    xoxo
    Denyse

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